Amy's Blog

9-1-1 for the guys

  So you're wondering why the title of today's entry would be targeted to men when this web site is all about women's heart health?!?  Here's why friends. We are the ones who often get our husbands, fathers, brothers and other guys in our lives to go to the doctor.  We hope they listen to us, but sometimes it takes an outsider to really open their eyes...someone like a sports figure or someone else they admire to give them a push to make an appointment.  In this example, a well known athlets has come out to lend his support. Former Tennessee Titan Eddie George is helping the American Stroke Association get men's attention when it comes to identifying the symptoms of a stroke and knowing what to do.

   The American Stroke Association is launching a 3 month campaign in two cities that ranked in the top five of a recent study of "America's Manliest Cities!" Nashville and Kansas City made the list.  The research firm, Sperling's Best Places used criteria such as occupations, sports and leisure activities.

   The Nashville campaign will feature stories from local men who survived a stroke, the latest stroke news and advice from area medical experts.  It will also look at the importance of immediate action with a "strangest reasons" list revealing some of the surprising reasons why some area men put off getting help when they had symptoms of a stroke.  Eddie started making appearances yesterday to draw attention to stroke awareness.

   Here's what we all need to know. Call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms:

     Sudden numbness, or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.  Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.  Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. 

    When it comes to a heart attack, time is heart muscle. When it comes to a stroke, time is brain power.  A stroke victim has 4 1/2 hours from the onset of symptoms to get to a hospital and be assessed for a clot busting drug that may help reduce the effects of a stroke.

   So ladies, remember, even the toughest guys need to get their heads in the game when it comes to knowing the symptoms of a stroke.  Let's help them out.

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